Rev. Canon Benedict G. Songy, Ph.D

SHREVEPORT, LA - The Reverend Canon Benedict G. Songy, Ph.D., peacefully entered into his eternal home on January 2, 2015. Fr. Songy was born in New Orleans, LA on July 28, 1929. He was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. G.J. and Magda Songy of New Orleans, sisters, Camille Songy, Aline Brantley, Audrey Arceneaux and Elaine Deppa. Ben is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Jacklyn Shelton Songy of Shreveport. He is also survived by his sisters, Magda Burkhardt of Metairie, LA; Carmen Craig of New Orleans, and brother, Alfred Songy (Annie) of Denver, CO, as well as by numerous nieces and nephews, and by his sister-in-law and caregiver, Patti J. Shelton, of Shreveport. Fr. Songy was ordained in 1955, as a priest in the Roman Catholic Church (OSB). He was received into the priesthood of the Episcopal Church in America in 1983, and served as a deacon at Holy Cross in Shreveport, as vicar at St. John's in Carthage, TX; and as associate at St. Matthias Episcopal Church in Shreveport. In addition to the duties of his priestly calling, Ben was a brilliant scholar and exceptional teacher. He was an instructor at Wiley College in Marshall, TX and an adjunct professor for Bossier City Community College, and served as chaplain to Canterbury House Episcopal Student Center at Centenary College of Louisiana for more than ten years. Ben also taught at Caddo Magnet High School and C.E. Byrd High School in Shreveport, and led Biblical and theological studies in several churches. Ben Songy was first and foremost a man of God. He was also a kind, generous and loving man to his friends and family, and a devoted husband to his wife, Jacklyn. Arrangements are being handled by Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 1815 Marshall Street, Shreveport. Fr. Songy's memorial service will be conducted by The Rt. Rev. Jacob Owensby, Ph.D. and D. Div. Bishop of the Diocese of Western Louisiana and by the Rev. Dr. Bill McBride on Wednesday, January 7, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Matthias Episcopal Church, in Shreveport. Visitation for family and friends will be held in the McMichael Room of St. Matthias, 10:00 a.m. until service time. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials may be made to St. Matthias Episcopal Church, 3301 St. Matthias Drive, Shreveport, LA 71119 or to the charity of one's choice.